~ Liz Curtis Higgs ~
from the devotional: Rise and Shine
When I read the title of the devotional Darlene picked the quote from, I was instantly reminded of my dad. You might wonder why…
When I was still living at home, my dad used to wake us up with the smile on his face and the words “Rise and Shineâ€. When I was younger, I never understood his joy. Even when he got really sick with cancer, his morning routine never changed. My dad never lost the bounce in his step or the twinkle in his eyes…
Let me give you just a little back-ground on my dad’s up-bringing. My dad was born in Berlin, 1938. WWII was in fully swing. My dad’s biological father was imprisoned in Russia and died there. My dad’s mother didn’t really care what happened to my dad and his younger sister. The only blessing they had in their lives was my great-grandfather. He was a circuit pastor for the Lutheran church in Germany. At the young age of 4 my dad was exposed to the Word of God—the source of joy in his life.
If you are wondering about my parent’s marriage, I am glad to tell you that they were very happy. Even at the times they disagreed, because their joy came from the heart.
Today, I understand why my dad had the twinkle in his eyes. No matter what life handed him, he knew the redeeming love of our Lord Jesus Christ. That was enough reason for my dad to smile and tell his kids to “Rise and Shineâ€.
My mom tells me that I have the same twinkle in my eyes; that I am more like my dad as I get older. There is no greater compliment for me…And today, I enjoy especially the early morning hours when I have the house to myself to be in His presence…
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.â€
~ Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
I know that I am way off the topic–I just couldn’t help but sharing about my earthly dad with you today. It might be that the anniversary of his death is right around the corner…
To read Darlene’s and other Godly women’s thoughts on this week’s IOW, please visit Darlene’s blog Darlene Schacht dot com…Hope to see you there.
Blessings on your day and as always…
What a great heritage that you have to share…..
Blessings
Your Dad sounds like a true blessing, thanks for sharing.
I don’t think you’re off-topic! You hit the nail right on the head. It’s a hard lesson for us women to let God fill the role we expect others to fill. If we get that right, everything else will fall into place!
I love it when you share about your Dad. Our earthly fathers teach us so much of what to expect from God. Thank you for sharing!
I don’t think it’s off topic at all! What a great example you had. This reminded me of Father’s Eyes by Amy Grant. 🙂
Iris, I love reading about your family history, about your parents, about Germany. You know when we meet I am going get a cup of coffee take one look at you and tell, “ok tell me all about it.” I LOVE IT.
And the story about your Dad is such an awesome sweet image. I appreicate you sharing this. The information of having a circuit pastor in your family is so facinating especially since I just finished reading about a famous historical one (George Whitfield).
Blessings.
I stopped by to look at your site from “In His Hands”. My mother is from Germany, born in 1938 as well. However, she was born in Argentina and my grandparents returned in 1939 just before Hitler invaded Poland. Growing up I was a captive audience when she would share memories from her past. It’s hard to picture my mother as a little girl, suffering the hardships of a cruel war. Her Uncle was killed at one of Hitler’s extermination camps and the other was drafted into the German Army and killed in Holland. I will never forget the story of how she was released from school early because of the air raid sirens. As she made her way home, she watched the bombers come up over the hill and bomb her grandparents town, a few kilometers away. I continually beg her to write her memoirs, maybe one day I’ll wear her down!
Connie
Thank you, Iris, for sharing your special memories of your Dad. I still struggle with my imperfections as a parent and wonder why our girls would want to be a Christian if I’m an example. Mine you…they see all sides of me. But then, I’m reminded of my Dad. It was because of his love that I came to a personal relationship with Jesus. But my Dad wasn’t perfect either so why should I expect it from myself.
Blessings to you Iris.
What a wonderful heritage, and a wonderful example of someone whose source of joy was in God.
I don’t know why we’re always so readily tempted to look somewhere other than our Source — I have to refocus often.
No, Iris, that was very ON topic. You’re Dad is a wonderful example of someone who found God as the source of his joy. You must miss him dearly, but that twinkle in your eye is him living on in you as you also put your trust in the Lord.
Can I reword that? I’d rather say, the twinkle in your eye, is his life reflected in you.
I just love where this quote is taking us…This was such a precious recollection.. You are blessed to have had such a wonderful man in your life!
Hi Iris,
What a beautiful story 🙂
I’am visiting your blog for the first time. It looks like we switched countries.
I’am a US citizen since many years and enjoying life in France.
Thank you for sharing your story, Iris. Family is also very important for me.
Have a nice day,
that’s beautiful iris. thank you for sharing about your dad. he sounds like a very special man. shalom friend. xo
You were right on topic Iris! I loved that story of your Dad….how precious to know all of that and how he became sweeter as he aged, instead of bitter. I wish I knew him. SOMEday I will know you….we need to get together!
Hi Iris-I don’t think your story is off topic. You dad is a great example of how joy is something that is internal and not based onother people or circumstances. It didn’t matter his circumstances-illness or not–he still had the bounce in his step because he was still joyful about the Lord. What a wonderful example to have lived your life with!
Blessings-Jennifer